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As a result of Thailand's decision to purchase an integrated air surveillance system from Sweden, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has placed an order with Saab valued at $310 million.

The contract between the Swedish and Thai governments was signed by representatives from FMV and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). Following this agreement, Saab received the order from FMV for development as well as production of the systems.

The order comprises six Gripen fighters, one Saab 340 aircraft equipped with Saab's radar surveillance system Erieye, one Saab 340 aircraft for training and transport along with associated equipment and services.

The Saab Gripen is the newest Swedish fighter jet developed initially by Saab Industries for the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen has replaced the Saab Draken and Saab Viggen in the Swedish Air Force. The primary sensor of the Gripen's target acquisition/weapons aiming system is its Ericsson PS-05/A radar. This is a compact, long-range, high-performance multimode pulse doppler radar with modular architecture and high reliability, offering high resolution, excellent look-down performance and good electronic counter measures capabilities. Using state-of-the-art technology, including fully programmable signal and data processors, the radar is able to handle all types of air defence, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions with a built-in growth potential to meet future requirements.

A command and control system that will be the link between the Erieye system and the Gripen fighters. The complete system will monitor and protect Thailand's airspace. Deliveries will begin in early 2011.

This is the first sale to a country in Asia. Saab will be responding to formal procurement processes in India and Switzerland in the next few months.